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The middle of the canopy is marked by the
UP logo at the leading edge.
Inflate the glider with a steady run and
remember to position your arms so that
they are a continuation of the A risers. As
the glider comes above your head, you
should glance up to see that the entire
canopy is inflated and flying. The
UP Summit XC² has a low surge
tendency, so there is usually no necessity
to brake to stop the glider from over-
flying you.
Directional control should only be
attempted when the glider is above your
head. Excessive braking will cause the
wing to drop back.
Only after checking that the wing is
properly inflated do you apply slight brake
pressure and accelerate rapidly down the
hill. After a few steps you will reach flying
speed and become airborne.
NOTE:
The decision to actually
take off or not is only really
taken towards the end of the
control phase. The pilot
accellerates their start run and
is airborne. Depending on the
inclination of the launch paddock it may
make sense to brake a bit in this phase.
Once airborne and at a safe altitude the
pilot slips into the seated position in the
harness
– WITHOUT RELEASING THE
BRAKE HANDLES. If this is not possible
then the pilot may hold both handles in
one hand whilst assisting the seating with
the other.
Speed control
Using the brakes
The UP Summit XC² has a wide useable
speed range, coupled with excellent
stability at all speeds. The speed can be
set with the brakes to optimise
performance in any situation.
Maximum glide speed is achieved with
the brakes released completely,
whereas minimum sink speed is with
approximately 10-15cm of brake
applied. Further braking will not
improve the sink rate, but the brake
pressure increases noticeably as the
glider reaches minimum speed.
BEWARE!
Flying close to the
stall point is very dangerous
and should be avoided. At
speeds below minimum
sink the danger of entering
an unintentional stall or spin is
increased dramatically.
Using the Speed System
The UP Summit XC² is equipped with
a very efficient speed system, working
over a foot stirrup as usual. By
engaging the speed system the true air
speed may be increased by around
17km/h. Being familiar with the use of
the speed system is an important skill
to have in paragliding.
The speed system should be used
when you are flying through sinking
air, when trying to achieve best glide in
a headwind, or trying to cover the
ground as quickly as possible. But it is
important to remember that the glider
will be more susceptible to collapses at
high speeds, so the speed system
should not be used in extreme
turbulence. If, with the speed system
applied, a collapse occurs then it
should be released immediately. Some
warning of an imminent collapse is
afforded by the tension felt in the
speed system; should the tension
suddenly reduce then the stirrup
should be released and the glider
returned to normal trim speed.
BEWARE!
All extreme
flight situations, such as
